IELTS scores for each EMI level
Utrecht's bachelor's and master's English language requirement pages use the EMI (English Medium of Instruction) system. Each programme decides which level it needs, and the EMI-ready, EMI-experienced and EMI-advanced pages publish identical score tables for bachelor's and master's.
| EMI level | Overall | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EMI-ready | 6.0 | 5.5 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 5.5 |
| EMI-experienced | 6.5 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| EMI-advanced | 7.0 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
TOEFL and Cambridge scores
TOEFL iBT is accepted including the Home Edition, with separate minimums for tests taken before and from 21 January 2026. TOEFL MyBest scores are not accepted. Utrecht's pages say any test not in the overview is not accepted, which rules out PTE Academic, Duolingo and LanguageCert.
| EMI level | TOEFL iBT before 21 Jan 2026 (S · L · R · W) | TOEFL iBT from 21 Jan 2026 (S · L · R · W) | Cambridge C1 Advanced | Cambridge C2 Proficiency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EMI-ready | 83 (16 · 17 · 18 · 16) | 4.5 (3.5 · 4 · 4 · 3.5) | 169 (162 · 165 · 165 · 162) | 180 (162 · 165 · 165 · 162) |
| EMI-experienced | 93 (20 each) | 4.5 (4 · 4.5 · 4.5 · 4) | 176 (169 each) | 180 (169 each) |
| EMI-advanced | 100 (25 · 22 · 24 · 24) | 5 (5 each) | 185 (176 each) | 185 (176 each) |
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Take a free scored IELTS mock →Which level your programme needs, and test rules
Your programme's "Application and admission" page names its EMI level. For example, the Mathematical Sciences master's requires EMI-experienced, while the Linguistics master's requires EMI-advanced.
IELTS Academic and TOEFL iBT results cannot be more than two years old. IELTS Online and IELTS One Skill Retake are not accepted. Exemptions depend on your level and diploma; each EMI page lists the qualifying countries and diplomas.
Utrecht University's English pages we read do not set a separate English score for the Dutch student residence permit. For how the permit and English proof work in general, see IELTS for the Netherlands.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your Utrecht programme page and in your admission decision, so check it there before you book a test.
Frequently asked questions
Does Utrecht University accept PTE?+
No. Utrecht accepts only IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT and Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency, and says any test not in its overview is not accepted.
Does Utrecht University accept Duolingo?+
No. Duolingo is not in Utrecht's overview of accepted tests, so it is not accepted at any EMI level.
Does Utrecht accept IELTS Online or the TOEFL Home Edition?+
IELTS Online and IELTS One Skill Retake are not accepted. The TOEFL iBT Home Edition is accepted, but TOEFL MyBest scores are not.
What IELTS do I need for a master's at Utrecht?+
It depends on your programme's EMI level: 6.0 for EMI-ready, 6.5 with 6.0 in each skill for EMI-experienced, or 7.0 with 6.5 in each for EMI-advanced.
Are bachelor's and master's requirements different at Utrecht?+
The scores are the same. What differs is the EMI level each programme chooses and the exemptions, which are listed separately for bachelor's and master's.
Keep reading
Related
- Erasmus University Rotterdam IELTS requirement
- IELTS for the Netherlands
- TOEFL to IELTS score converter
- Duolingo to IELTS score converter
- All 711 guides
Verified against the linked official sources on 4 October 2026. Rules change: confirm on the official page before you book or apply.
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